Governor Bentley Appoints Secretary of Law Enforcement

Alabama's governor has promoted his homeland security director, Spencer Collier, to secretary of law enforcement.

Collier will lead the creation of the new Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency.

The agency is the result of a new state law combining many of Alabama's law enforcement programs, including the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Homeland Security.

Gov. Robert Bentley says Collier worked on the consolidation of law enforcement programs and has the experience and expertise to lead the new agency.

Collier is a former state trooper who served with Bentley in the Alabama House for two terms.

Statement by Governer Bentley's Office:

MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley on Friday announced the appointment of Homeland Security Director Spencer Collier as Secretary of Law Enforcement.

The newly-created Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency was established by Senate Bill 108, which Governor Bentley recently signed into law as part of a comprehensive effort to make government more efficient. Secretary Collier will continue to serve as the Governor’s Homeland Security Director during the Law Enforcement Agency’s planning and implementation phase, which will last through January 2015.

“Spencer Collier has been a dedicated public servant for many years. He has served as my Senior Law Enforcement Advisor and worked tirelessly to help create the model that will better coordinate state-level law enforcement,” Governor Bentley said. “He has the experience and qualifications necessary to lead this new agency, and his work will benefit people all across the state.”

Collier has extensive experience in law enforcement in Alabama, having served as Director of the Department of Homeland Security, a State Trooper in the Alabama Department of Public Safety, and in the Public Safety Department’s Special Operations Unit. He has been recognized nationally for expertise in Homeland Security by the Naval Postgraduate Center for Homeland Defense and Security. Collier also served two terms in the Alabama House of Representatives. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Troy University and is a graduate of the Alabama Criminal Justice Training Center.

“I’m extremely honored that Governor Bentley has selected me for this position,” Collier said. “I’ve spent my professional career working in and around law enforcement, and I’m fully committed to this new challenge. We have already made great strides in increasing efficiency and coordination while eliminating duplications of services. I look forward to ensuring that we provide the best possible public safety for the people of Alabama while being responsible with taxpayer dollars. We have one opportunity to assemble this new agency in the most efficient and productive manner, and I am committed to doing just that.”

“The leadership, law enforcement officers and the employees of the Department of Public Safety look forward to working closely with Secretary Collier during this critical transition period,” said Colonel Hugh McCall of the Alabama Department of Public Safety.

“As the planning and implementation process begins, the Enforcement Division of the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board stands ready and available to help Secretary Collier make this a smooth transition,” ABC Administrator Mac Gipson said.

“I know Secretary Collier will work closely with the employees at the Department of Revenue to make sure the transition of our law enforcement functions is done in a way that will not disrupt services to Alabamians,” Revenue Commissioner Julie Magee said.

“Governor Bentley’s vision of a more coordinated law enforcement operation is one that I share. The Marine Police Division staff and I will continue to work closely with Secretary Collier to make sure this transition is smooth and effective,” Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Gunter Guy said.

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